Arsenal will have to cope without Alexandre Lacazette for the next “four to six weeks” after he underwent minor surgery on his left knee.

The Gunners confirmed Tuesday that Lacazette had a successful arthroscopy on the knee and is expected to be out for the prescribed period while he recovers.

While he is perhaps yet to set the Emirates Stadium alight, the summer signing has scored nine goals in 26 Premier League appearances since his arrival.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will now lean even more heavily on January recruit and new club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, particularly after Olivier Giroud departed for Chelsea last month.

Danny Welbeck or Alex Iwobi will be considered as alternatives, but neither of those options will be considered as capable as Lacazette, who stood as their previous record signing prior to Aubameyang’s arrival.

His form and fitness will have a significant bearing on their success this season.